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The demo followed comments by former North Lanarkshire Council housing boss Sam Love that Syrian refugees were being given homes with “front and back doors” ahead of locals who have been on the housing waiting list for years.

Thirty-seven Syrian families have moved into the area since 2015.

Labour council leader Jim Logue said: “I think it’s absolutely disgusting that businesses, on Easter Saturday, were forced to close because these purveyors of racial hated have invaded Wishaw.

“They have absolutely nothing in common with the overwhelming majority of residents here.

Officers battle to keep the two sides apart during SDL protest march in Wishaw (Image: Daily Record)

“They came because a former Labour councillor said Syrian refugees here as part of the UK resettlement programme should not be offered the same housing as residents in Wishaw.

“I found that completely objectionable. We were the first council in Scotland to participate in the resettlement programme, taking in Congolese refugees in 2007.

“As a result of that councillor’s irresponsible and disgusting comments, the SDL saw an opportunity to come here and attempt to stoke up racial hatred. They’re not welcome.”

Officers form a human barricade to keep the two rival factions apart (Image: Daily Record)

Motherwell and Wishaw SNP MP Marion Fellows added: “This is a tolerant and welcoming place, so today’s events fly in the face of all the efforts locally to bring our community together.

“The refugees who live here have fled their war-torn home looking for safety.

“On this busy holiday weekend, I’m hugely disappointed that this small group of intolerant protesters have managed to cause so much disruption to the people who live here and our local businesses.”

Last month, police made 10 arrests at a demonstration in Edinburgh organised by extremist group the White Brotherhood. The SDL also held a protest in Alloa. Both events were attended by Wright, who works around Scotland as a labourer.

Motherwell and Wishaw SNP MSP Clare Adamson said: “It’s really disappointing that towns like Wishaw and Alloa have been targeted. They’re small towns where businesses struggle.

“These people have targeted us because we welcomed Syrian refugees and their views certainly don’t represent those of the town.”

A defiant SDL protester during the march through Wishaw town centre (Image: DAILY RECORD)

Colin Borland, of the Federation of Small Businesses, called for police to be given extra powers to control demos in town centres.

He said: “The Easter weekend is a really important anchor point of the year, particularly for businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors.

“In these tough times, particularly on such an important weekend, we want to see people out enjoying themselves and spending money – not feeling they can’t set foot in the town centre. The demonstrations either shouldn’t be allowed to take place or a much higher bar set.”

Unite Against Fascism Scotland’s spokesman John McFadden said the SDL demo was an attempt to intimidate refugees and stir up racial hatred.

Officers form a line to separate the rival factions during the SDL march (Image: Daily Record)

He added: “Scotland’s communities have always provided magnificent support to refugees, recognising that they are fleeing war, persecution and oppression.

“It’s appalling that the hate-filled, sieg heil-saluting fascists of the SDL imposed themselves on the people of Wishaw.”

Last year, a report to the Scottish Government said police should be given major new powers to deal with demonstrations and protests before they became a public danger.

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Anti-fascist groups hold a counter demonstration as the SDL march takes place (Image: Daily Record)

Twenty people have to be gathered together in one place before the police can disperse the crowd. In England and Wales, police can intervene if just two or more people have come together.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We have noted the recommendations in the report and will engage with all parties, including Police Scotland and local authorities, to further improve the management of marches, parades and demonstrations across Scotland.”

Police said no arrests were made yesterday.

SDL spokesman Graham Walker, who organised yesterday’s march, claimed it had the support of people in town.